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Coram Boy

A tale of two cities Gloucester and London. A tale of two boys Toby, saved from an African slave ship, and Aaron, the illegitimate son of the heir to a great estate. A tale of fathers and sons Otis, dealing in the vilest trade of all, and his son Meshak, not quite of this world; Sir William Ashbrook, landowner, and Alexander, the son he disinherits... An epic journey fraught with every danger and excitement, until love triumphs over hate and corruption, from bestselling author Jamila Gavin.

The Midnight Palace

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Charlotte Sometimes

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Publisher's Summary

Winner: Costa children's book award 2012

Narrated against the backdrop of a ruthless regime determined to beat its enemies in the race to the moon, Maggot Moon is the stunning new novel from award-winning author Sally Gardner. When his best friend, Hector, is suddenly taken away, Standish Treadwell realises that it is up to him, his grandfather and a small band of rebels to confront and defeat the ever-present oppressive forces of the Motherland. Utterly original and stunning, it is impossible not to be moved by Maggot Moon's powerful story and the unforgettable heroism of Standish.

This audiobook brought tears to my eyes more than once, and not because it would be overly sentimental, but quite the opposite. The text felt very honest and true, and was told in a realistic no-nonsense manner. Both facts made the relatively small moments of kindness and devotion shine out brilliantly against the dark background of this alternative reality. A strong vote against intolerance and discrimination. Most highly recommended.